Seattle’s chances for Peyton Manning getting slimmer

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Peyton Manning has declined to meet with the Seahawks, removing Seattle from the running to sign the free-agent future hall-of-famer, The Denver Post reports. But The News Tribune of Tacoma reports that Manning hasn’t shut the door on the Seahawks, and that he could expand his visit to Seattle.

The conflicting reports aren’t much help, but they do make one thing clear: The Seahawks aren’t giving up yet in the race for Peyton Manning.

Seattle has tried to get Manning to visit, but the Seahawks do not seem high on his list. The four-time MVP, whom the Indianapolis Colts released Wednesday after 14 years, met with the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals over this weekend, and will meet with the Miami Dolphins before he’s expected to make a decision Tuesday or Wednesday.

Citing anonymous NFL sources, the Post reported that Manning was impressed with Denver. As a Bronco, Manning would take over for the media sensation of this year’s NFL playoffs, Tim Tebow.

If Manning choses Arizona, one of Seattle’s NFC West rivals, it would spell more trouble for the Seahawks.

Seattle was gunning for Manning to replace last season’s starting quarterback, Tarvaris Jackson, who is decent but is not an elite quarterback by any means. Now the Seahawks and GM John Schneider must focus on signing another free-agent QB, such as Green Bay backup Matt Flynn, or go after one in April’s NFL Draft.

There may still be other mystery teams in the Manning race, the Post reported, but they are believed to be the San Francisco 49ers and the Tennessee Titans. At Tennessee, he’d replace former Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and have former Washington QB Jake Locker as a backup. San Francisco may only make a move for Manning if it is unable to re-sign Alex Smith — who took the 49ers to the NFC championship game — by the time free agency begins at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

How would you feel if Peyton Manning passes on Seattle?

Peyton Manning was our only hope!

It would have been cool to have him here, but the Seahawks will be fine.

Meh. The Seahawks don't need him anyway.

Manning's days are numbered and I'd rather have a different QB anyway.